The U.S.
Department of Defense intends to move forward with its $126 billion plan
to procure 12 new nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy.

Under the plan, the Navy's existing Ohio-class
ballistic missile submarines will be replaced by the developing
Columbia-class submarines at an estimated cost of roughly $8 billion per
ship. Pentagon acquisition undersecretary Frank Kendall voiced his
approval during a recent interview with Bloomberg.

"I'm hoping to have it done before I leave," Kendall said, noting his job ends when President Barack Obama leaves office on Jan. 20.

President Obama has supported the Columbia-class program during his time in office, and President-elect Donald Trump is expected to continue the effort after his inauguration.

"The United States must greatly strengthen and
expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its
senses regarding nukes," Trump wrote on Twitter.

The Pentagon's green light on the planned
procurement comes in the wake of skepticism regarding high-cost military
projects. Kendall addressed those concerns in a memo following his
interview.

"It is clear that significant achievements
have been made to control current and future costs," he said. "Despite
tight schedule margins that leave little room for future issues, there
are adequate plans in place to manage this risk."

With the Defense Department's support, the Columbia-class program is allowed to enter full development under Milestone B. USNI News reports defense officials are in talks with General Dynamics Electric Boat to finalize contract details.